Tax Support at Prince William Public Libraries

New Titles in Our Collection

Nobody looks forward to paying taxes, and given the complexity of the laws and regulations, figuring out how much money you owe can be just as painful as writing the check when the work is done.

Your local library can't save you from all the pain, but we do have the 2025 edition of "J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax." This annual publication is updated with the latest tax laws and regulations, breaks down the process of figuring out if you need to file and how you should file, and then evaluates every form and step of the process. It isn't fun reading, but it's thorough, logically organized, up-to-date, and reliable. It also provides guidance on managing your personal finances and investments to minimize your tax burden while protecting your financial security.

For small business owners, the same publisher also publishes "J.K. Lasser's Small Business Taxes," and we have the 2025 edition of that title available as well. Place a hold on these titles and other helpful resources at pwcva.gov/library.

Digital Library Resources

Since many IRAs have the option to pick different mutual funds or stocks, savvy investors know that choosing wisely can maximize the benefit of their 401, Roth, or other plan. PWPL's Digital Library provides patrons with access to the Morningstar Investment Research Center and the Value Line Investment Survey at pwcva.gov/digitallibrary. The two services overlap somewhat, but in general, Morningstar is stronger on mutual funds, and Value Line has a greater depth of information on individual stocks. Neither site can promise future performance, of course, but both have detailed, verified, and documented analyses of hundreds of funds and thousands of stocks. They can be very helpful for retirement investing.

If you are looking to make a major household purchase in the new year, Consumer Reports remains one of the best sources for objective reviews and test results of a wide spectrum of common consumer products, including cars. The automobile research center now combines local sales information with car reviews so shoppers can get verified ratings of available new and used cars in real time.

These are just some of the options available to patrons through the Digital Library. There’s no better way to ensure a successful new year than to get on top of your personal finances from the beginning. Your local library can be a partner in that project!

AARP Tax-Aide at Bull Run and Chinn Park Libraries

AARP will provide free tax services at Bull Run and Chinn Park Libraries from February 3–April 15, 2025.

Bull Run Library: Speak to AARP tax experts and get free tax help on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are not required at Bull Run Library.

Mondays, 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
February 3, 10, 17, 24
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
April 7, 14

Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
February 5, 12, 19, 26
March 5, 12, 19, 26
April 2, 9

Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
February 8, 15, 22
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
April 5, 12

Chinn Park Library: Appointments are required. Schedule an appointment to get free tax help from an AARP tax expert. Sign up online or call 571-316-0493.

Select Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
February 4, 6, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 25, 27
March 1, 4, 6, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 25, 27, 29
April 1, 3, 8, 10, 15

Per the IRS, these are the documents you will need to bring:

• Social Security numbers of everyone listed on the tax return. 
• Bank account and routing numbers. People will need these for direct deposit refunds. Direct deposit is the fastest way for taxpayers to get their money and avoids a check getting lost, stolen, or returned to the IRS as undeliverable. 
  • If you don't have a bank account, learn how to open an account at an FDIC-insured bank or through the National Credit Union Locator Tool. Veterans can access the Veterans Benefits Banking Program.
• Forms W-2 from employer(s).
• Forms 1099 from banks, issuing agencies, and other payers, including unemployment compensation, dividends, and distributions from a pension, annuity, or retirement plan.
• Form 1099-K, 1099-MISC, W-2 or other income statement for workers in the gig economy.
• Form 1099-INT for interest received.
• Other income documents and records of virtual currency transactions.
• Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement. Taxpayers will need this form to reconcile advance payments or claim the premium tax credit.
• Letter 6419, 2023 Total Advance Child Tax Credit Payments, to reconcile advance child tax credit payments.

Per the Virginia Tax website, the following is needed to file your Virginia Income Taxes:

• All W-2s, 1099s, and other withholding information before filing your return. Don't rely on year-end pay stub information, as it may not match what your employer reports. 
• Include your Virginia driver's license or Virginia identification card number on your return. Returns that don't have a driver's license or ID card number won't be rejected, but providing the information helps the Virginia Department of Taxation process returns more quickly. 
• If you were issued a Virginia Tax personal identification number (PIN), you must provide the PIN on your return. Remember that even if you provide your PIN, the Virginia Department of Taxation systems could stop your return for other reasons. 
• Provide all necessary information on your return and attach all required documents and schedules. 
• Be sure the spelling of your name(s), Social Security number(s), and all calculations are correct. 
• If you moved since you filed your last return, use your current address.